Makalu Base Camp TrekkingMakalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Highlights
  • Adventure on least ventured areas of Nepal Far East to Mt. Makalu base camp.
  • Explore the pristine untouched region of Barun Valley enriched with flora / fauna.
  • Trekking from warm low warm paddy fields to cooler green hills to arctic zone.
  • Enchanting forest of tall rhododendron, pines, oaks, birch, magnolia and fir trees.
  • Scenic panoramic flights with grand views of Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga” 

an adventure to the scenic Arun & Barun Valleys to Makalu base camp’

Makalu Base Camp Trekking takes you to the base of the world’s fifth tallest
Mt. Makalu. Stands at above 8,463 m / 27,766 feet high, in between Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga. In the past decades, Makalu Base Camp areas were less visited, only by a few groups of trekkers and adventurers. Including mountaineers, as well for traversing through high passes of Sherpani Col to reach the Everest region.

In the early days, it was a complete wilderness away from human settlements and villages. Where trekkers needed to ferry the camping equipment for Makalu Base Camp and beyond. At present several temporary settlements have been established with facilities of simple lodges. Making it much easier and accessible for the trek to Makalu Base Camp, without the hassle of carrying camping gear.

The charm and beauty of Makalu Base Camp is the bio-diversity of climate, vegetation, and local cultures. The trail follows from low warm paddy fields to cooler hills and towards the arctic zone of ice and glaciers. As well the walk leads through villages of mixed tribes of hill people of various cultures.

Around the higher region from Tashi-Gaon onwards within Sherpa country, the highlanders of Eastern Himalayas. Interwoven with Buddhism the religion of age-old heritage cultures and customs, making the adventure more interesting.

As well as the dramatic change of landscapes from forested hills to barren and arid windswept terrains.

Makalu Base Camp Trek begins after a short panoramic flight from Kathmandu to land at a warm farm town in Tumlingtar. From here our adventure starts and ends after visiting Makalu Base Camp.

On reaching the warm areas of Tumlingtar, then driving towards the cooler hills at Num village. The walk follows down and ups to Seduwa, as the trail heads to the last village of Tashi-Gaon. From here onwards into the mountain wilderness with few smaller temporary settlements for the comfort of travelers. Leaving Tashi-Gaon with climb to Khongma Dana a high ridge with fabulous views of Mt. Makalu.

Facing Baruntse Himal, Chamlang with Mt. Kanchenjunga towards the east direction, the adventure continues crossing smaller passes over Tutu-La and Shipton-La.

From here onwards the true adventure begins, on leaving the forested areas for a wild mountainous country. The walk follows through scenic Barun Valley to reach our final destination at Makalu Base Camp.

The highest point of the adventure stands on the foot of the world’s 5th tallest Mt. Makalu. Enclosed amidst towering peaks of Baruntse and Chamlang Himal with an array of snow peaks.

Makalu Base Camp is the only right place for rare Khansung the Eastern Face of Mt. Makalu. After an exciting and adventurous moment, return journey on the same scenic route with ups and down to Tashi-Gaon. Finally, the trek concludes by reaching Num village for an interesting drive to low warm areas at Tumlingtar Town.

The next day a sweeping scenic flight brings you back to Kathmandu, after a remarkable adventure and experience; on Makalu Base Camp Trekking.

Best Seasons for Makalu Base Camp Trekking:

The best time for Makalu Base Camp trekking is mid-spring of April to early pre-summer June. When days are much warmer with full of sunshine, cooler morning, late afternoon to night time as well in shade. Much warmer till Tashi-Gaon and get cooler after Khongma Danda Ridge onwards. Can get snow-fall sometimes with light rains on lower areas. The next best season is autumn / fall from September to November, most days are fine and clear with sunshine.

But much cooler morning, late afternoon and night time, days are shorter due to limited sunshine hours. Can expect snowfall sometime from Khongma onwards to Makalu Base Camp.

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Itinerary

On reaching Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be warmly received by our guide and staff and then transfer you to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.

First check into your hotel rooms on getting refreshed from the flight and with Jet-Lag, then join with other members of Makalu Base Camp Trekking for briefing, where our expert guides will inform regarding your stay in Nepal, hotels, trekking, local lodge-camping with do’s and don’ts information, evening welcome group dinner in authentic Nepalese restaurants with Folk cultural programs to entertain you during your meals.

    Morning after breakfast leave the hotel for exciting guided sightseeing around Kathmandu where our city guide will lead you to places of interest, Kathmandu aMetropolitan city still retains its ancient heritage and varied ancient culture Where you will visit world heritage sites around Kathmandu for half day or full day. After an interesting and wonderful tour of ancient historical, religious sites afternoon free preparation for next day flight to Nepal Far East at Tumlingtar for Makalu base camp Trek.

      Morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping 45 minutes scenic flight towards eastern Nepal around Arun River Valley.

      From Tumlingtar airport after an exciting panoramic views of mountains with Everest and Makalu. Then get ready for exciting drive to Num, heading past farm villages and large town Khandbari. The journey continues towards a hilly ridge on rough dirt tracks reaching hill farm village at Chinchilla.

      From here drive leads downhill to Num, a nice village on top of a ridge at present slowly turning into a town. At Num overnight in a local lodge, enjoy the grand views of surrounding landscapes with Jalajala Himal and Makalu.

        Morning, start the first day walk of the adventure with steep descent to Arun River, after crossing a bridge. The trail follows with climb to Seduwa village past farm fields and small villages of Runmura. After few hours of good climb reaching Seduwa, a village with primary school and health post. Transfer into a nice simple lodge facing views of Num over a ridge with adjoining hills of Bhojpur and Jalajala rocky peaks.

          Morning from Seduwa village, walk leads on undulating winding path to Tashi Gaon, a Sherpa village. As well the last village en route Makalu base camp, walk past farm fields of millets and paddy. The morning walk ends on reaching Tashi Gaon for lunch and overnight halt. Enjoy the afternoon exploring this small Sherpa village of great cultural interest.

            Leaving Tashi Gaon the last village for a week long, morning walk leads on gentle path into thick forest. Covered in rhododendron, oaks and tall pines trees after few hours of climb, then reach on top of Khongma ridge. The high ridge offers excellent views of Kanchenjunga range and Mt. Makalu with adjoining peaks, from here within complete wilderness.

              From Khongma Danda morning walk follows a ridge line with few short ups and down. Coming across an icy pond of Thulo Pokhari (big) with Sano Pokhari (small) after crossing Tutu-la and Shipton la. A pass at above 4, 453 meters, and then reaching Dobato, a place with few small huts serving as lodges. 

                Morning walk down-hill for an hour to Mumbuk amidst dense woodland, and then reaching Barun valley. As walk leads on gentle ups facing views of peaks on both side of the valley. The trail heads past few Yak herder shelters, then slowly the walk ends reaching Yangla Kharka for overnight. Check into a nice small nice cozy lodge, after an exciting walk of the day.

                  From Barun valley walk to Shearson, located at the end of Barun valley close en route Makalu base camp. Start the morning trek with gentle uphill and crossing streams facing views of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse Himal.

                  After a nice trek of five hours reaching overnight stop at Shearson, a small settlement with few simple lodge a mere distance from Makalu base camp.

                    The morning walk leads to the base of Mt. Makalu, the morning walks follows a small path. Then over the moraine of rocks and boulders as you reach the Base Camp of Mt. Makalu.  Stand amidst remorseless fields of ice and glaciers and in the comfort of a nice simple lodge. Reaching on the highest spot of the treks for lunch and for two overnights stops.

                    Afternoon relax and enjoy the spectacular views of surrounding giant peaks of Barun and Chamlang Himal with Mt. Makalu.

                      After continues days of walks from Num, enjoy the free and rest day, explore the scenic high terrains. From the base camp some trekkers also head towards Everest region crossing high Sherpani Col / Pass. The best of Makalu base camp is the views of Mt. Everest.

                      Trekkers can climb a near view-point for excellent scenery and views of rare East Face of Mt. Everest. Famously known as the

                      Khansung Face of Everest, rest of the day enjoy leisure moments.

                        After an exciting time at Mt. Makalu Base Camp, return journey downhill on the same pleasant trail to Yangla Kharka. For last overnight amidst scenic Barun Valley, enjoying the good walk to Yangla Kharka.

                          The walk follows the Barun Khola / stream for some hours and then climb leads back into dense forest.

                          As uphill continues until reaching a ridge top at Dobato for overnight halt. After a good long walk on leaving the scenic Barun Valley and Makalu Base Camp.

                            From Dobato retrace the journey to Khongma Danda crossing Tutu-La, Keke-La and Shipton-La, walking past the glacial pond to Khongma Danda. Enjoy the last overnight around the remote areas and wilderness of Makalu and Sankasabha district. Before heading back into human habitation and farm villages.

                              Morning enjoy the grand views of Mt. Makalu and series of white peaks, then leaving the high hills and ridges. A long descent to Tashi Gaon for lunch and overnight stop. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the village and observe the local Impressive Sherpa culture of Makalu area.

                                The walk on leaving Nawa Gaon, down to Seduwa village taking a short rest, continue heading downhill to Arun River. After crossing a small bridge, with last steep climb to reach Num for overnight halt.

                                  The last day walk of the adventure ends at Num, morning enjoy the exciting drive to Chinchilla. From here leaving the hill farm village down to Manibhanyang through several farm areas to Khandbari town. After a brief stop drive leads downhill to Tumlingtar, then spend the last overnight in a nice lodge.

                                    Morning transfer to Tumlingtar air terminal for scenic flight back to Kathmandu, on reaching Kathmandu airport. Get transferred to your hotel, rest of the day at leisure with grand memories of Makalu Base Camp trekking.

                                      Your last memorable day in Nepal after a wonderful experience and adventure on Makalu Base Camp Trekking with great service of Explorer Adventure, and as per your international flight then transfer to Kathmandu international airport for homeward bound or to your respective destinations.

                                        Route Map

                                        Makalu Base Camp Trekking map
                                        What's Included
                                        • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
                                        • Three night hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with BB    
                                        • Domestic flights  from Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu.
                                        • All Necessary Permit 
                                        • Government license holder guide 
                                        • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis 
                                        • Duffel bag for packing your things for the trek
                                        • Helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
                                        • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters           
                                        • Half Day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
                                        • Hire sleeping bag and down jacket for the trekking.,
                                        • Government taxes and official expense
                                        What's not Included
                                        • All food pay your self  during the trek  
                                        • Flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
                                        • Tips for porters ($90-120) and guides ($120-150)
                                        • Nepal Visa ($50)
                                        • Insurance (must include emergency evacuation by helicopter, check worldnomads.com
                                        • Food and drinks ($20-30 per day)
                                        • In some places: hot water, wifi, battery charging - $2-5
                                        • Drinking water, price depends on altitude (linear regression)  

                                        Departure Dates

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                                        Trip Dates
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                                        Trip DateMar 22, 2024 - Apr 09, 2024
                                        PriceUS$1499
                                        AvailabilityAvailable
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                                        Trip DateMar 25, 2024 - Apr 12, 2024
                                        PriceUS$1499
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                                        Trip DateMar 28, 2024 - Apr 15, 2024
                                        PriceUS$1499
                                        AvailabilityAvailable
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                                        Trip DateMar 30, 2024 - Apr 17, 2024
                                        PriceUS$1499
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                                        Useful Information

                                        Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

                                        Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

                                        Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

                                         Guide and Porters for Makalu Base Camp Trekking

                                        On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

                                        All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

                                        Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

                                        Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

                                        Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

                                        Information of AMS and Precaution Measures:

                                        High Altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness for short as AMS a symptom faced and can catch any people on high altitude adventure walks.

                                        Due to high pressure and low oxygen level as certain height where some people feel uneasiness with shortness of breathiness, light headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of good sleep and with less appetite.

                                        To avoid these whole symptoms where we always designed itinerary days accordingly with enough space, flexible days for acclimatization at high elevation, taking short walks up and sleeping and resting at low places.

                                        The other good way to avoid AMS taking slow and steady pace on walks, stopping frequently to catch your breath and adding lot of fluid or safe drinking water at least 2-3 liters a day to support against AMS.

                                        On high altitude take enough rest and with short slow hike above high hills to catch views as well to support acclimatization and sleeping and resting at low altitude will certainly helps you in avoiding AMS.

                                        Useful in situations when you cannot make high ascent, the best ways to prevent altitude sickness doing it slowly, stopping for overnights at certain altitude to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy for first one or two 2 days.

                                        In our list we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like medicine against diarrhea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well.

                                        What to Bring During Makalu Base Camp Trekking?  

                                        **- can be bought in Kathmandu

                                        Clothing and footwear

                                        • trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)
                                        •  sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.
                                        •  flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}
                                        • Bandana or neckerchief ,  Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .
                                        • Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.
                                        • Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)
                                        •  Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.
                                        •  Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.
                                        • Trekking trousers ,  Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.
                                        • Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses ,  Trekking pole , Water bottle.

                                        Equipment for 19 Days Makalu Base Camp Trekking

                                        * Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

                                        * Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

                                        *Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in       Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

                                        *A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

                                        * Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

                                        *Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

                                        * A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.

                                        Makalu Base Camp Trekking FAQs

                                        • The best time for Makalu base camp trekking is spring, autumn / fall. Spring and autumn are the most favorable time for most trekkers and mountaineers, where days are longer with enough sunny days. However cold morning, late afternoon and night time. Can get snowed sometimes, even in the best time of the seasons.

                                          The other good season for is autumn / fall, where most days are bright and beautiful for scenic walks. But days are shorter due to sunlight hours, very cold morning, and in late afternoon till night time. Can expect snow-fall sometime during the trek above 2,800 m.

                                        • The trekking per its are required, is TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems), which will be issued by trekking agents in Kathmandu.
                                          Includes Makalu & Barun National Park, Conservation fees.

                                        • After booking for the chosen treks for Makalu Base Camp, collecting all the information and details from the agents booked with. Getting Visa at home country or on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. Booking the shortest and best air route to Kathmandu by respective airlines; sending the advance trip cost, as per the rules of local agents in Kathmandu.

                                          Practice exercise to keep fit and healthy for the chosen treks around Everest region, getting your health check-up. As well buying the needful gear for the treks and getting details of trekking equipment list.

                                        • It is very important before leaving the home country, all trekkers are mountaineers needs to purchase Medical and Travel Insurance.
                                          Which is for your own safety in case of illness; in this condition arise needs immediate evacuation by any means of quick transportation.

                                          The fastest is, using Helicopter services to reach Kathmandu, for further treatment. Where all extra expenses and medical bills to be borne by oneself and claim through your concerned Insurance companies.

                                        • Simple and basic accommodation for overnight halt, one can find the lodge, guest house to Makalu base camp. One of the best that one finds and experience from Tumlingtar onwards till Makalu base camp. The accommodation is simple due to less number of visitors trekking around Makalu region. Where rooms are simple but clean with common bathe and toilets.

                                          The foods on Makalu Base Camp are simple, where food menu are simple but with clean, and hygienic meals served. The foods on every lodges serves nice breakfast, lunch and dinner with various refreshing hot drinks.

                                          The menu short list of foods from Continental, Chinese, Indian to Tibetan and Nepali. 

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